The best dog breed for your family
Big or small there are hundreds of breeds of dogs. The question is, Which breed is the right fit for your family?
Dogs can also be a challenge to own, especially if you choose a breed of dog that is not compatible with your family's lifestyle.
The decision to bring a dog into your home should never be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider before making a purchase. The main being, "what type of dog is the right fit for our family?"
Is Your Home Suitable for a Dog?
Before you get a dog. Ask yourself these questions.
- Does it have a back yard?
- Will there be people around a lot to walk water and feed the dog?
- Are my children ready (old enough) for the responsibility of a dog?
- Can we afford the extra expense a dog will bring?
- What will we do with our dog if we go away on holiday?
- What breed of dog should I get for my situation?
- Do I, and my family, have the time to take care of a dog?
- Can we give our dog the proper training
The Top 10 List
Some of the proven best breeds for your family
This list has been compiled to help you make an informed choice if you are ready to introduce your kids to their best friend over the next 15 years or so.
It is not in order of preference since everyone's situation is different.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labradors are a well-balanced, friendly and versatile breed, they are one of the more popular family breeds. Labrador's have lovely temperaments and are very intelligent.Labrador's are also very loyal and will never leave your side whilst outside your home.
Labs love playing outdoors and enjoy long walks and exercise but if these needs are met, they are content enough to curl up with you and snooze.
Labradors have a reputation as a very mellow breed and an excellent family dog, including a good reputation with children of all ages and other animals. This makes them easy work when it comes to puppy training
You can get Black, Brown or Golden Labradors.
2. Border Collie

Maybe more widely known as "Lassie Dogs", these gorgeous dogs are doing very well with children.
Although the primary role of the Border Collie is that of the working stock dog, dogs of this breed are becoming increasingly popular as pets. True to their working heritage, Border Collies make very demanding, energetic pets that are better off in households that can provide them with plenty of exercise and ample play with humans or other dogs.
Their coat needs to be brushed regularly to avoid matting.
3. Beagle
These dogs are ideal for a family who like the outdoors and lots of exercise.They look great and are very loyal.
Their shiny coats are easy to care for; they love to play with kids and are very sweet and good natured. Beagles are very clean dogs.
Beagles are excellent with children and this is one of the reasons they have become popular family pets. They also generally get along well with other dogs.
They are not demanding with regard to exercise; their inbred stamina means they do not easily tire when exercised, but they also do not need to be worked to exhaustion before they will rest, though regular exercise helps ward off the weight gain to which the breed is prone.
An excellent dog for kids.
4. Shih Tzu
Originally used as companion dogs, these little dogs are also good with children, their long hair can be hard to maintain but if being kept as a pet, you can trim it short.
Shih Tzu's are very social dogs and love being with people.
They tend to be sweet, playful, and trusting as well.
Shih Tzu's don't need as much exercise as larger dog breeds, but do suffer from the same difficulties as most small breed dogs due to having a smaller bladder.
Shih Tzu's are great dogs for inside. They do not shed hair and leave it all over the furniture. They love to sit on your lap in a warm cozy couch.
Shih Tzu's are small enough to take anywhere. I'm sure you have seen Paris Hilton carry hers around like an accessory in her bag!
5. Golden Retriever
The traditional family dog and are completely gentle and patient with kids. These dogs are also renowned for their patience with children.They love to play, are very smart and do well with a lot of children in the home. They relish playing ball and retrieving and need a lot of exercise.
The typical Golden Retriever is calm, naturally intelligent and biddable, with an exceptional eagerness to please.
Golden Retrievers are compatible with children and adults and are good with other dogs ane even cats.
Golden Retrievers are particularly valued for their high level of sociability towards people, calmness, and willingness to learn. Because of this, they are commonly used as guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs.
They are friendly and tend to learn tricks easily.
6. Miniature Poodle

The Poodle is a very smart dog and can come in 3 size. all poodles are suitable for children because of their general happiness. We are going to talk about Miniature Poodles .
They are quite easy to train and adore their family. They also are ideal for those with allergies and their coat is easy to take care of and don shed their fur.
Poodles are extremely people-oriented dogs and generally eager to please. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. Like most dogs, they appreciate daily exercise, such as a walk or a play session. Most are fairly agile and athletic.
Toy Poodles will play ball and love to fetch. Play time is vital, but one must be sure that they get plenty of rest following long play periods and that fresh water is available at all times.
7. Great Dane
Although very tall, these dogs are mild mannered and placid, they are known for their patience around kids and are extremely gentle.The Great Dane's large and imposing appearance has a way of hiding its friendly nature.
Great Dane's are often referred to as gentle giants.
Great Danes are generally well-disposed toward other dogs, other non-canine pets and humans. As with all dogs, they should be supervised around young children.
Great Danes can be protective and make good guard dogs.
8. Newfoundland

Newfoundland dogs are superb with kids and are very kind and protective. Known as "Newfs" or "Newfies", these dogs do have coats that need a lot of attention and do tend to drool but really have a wonderfully sweet personality.
The Newfoundland is a dog with an outstanding temperament, good, courageous, generous and intelligent. A patient dog, mild with guests, and obedient with its master.
They are noble, calm, gentle, loyal and trustworthy with a sweet temperament. Very devoted. Good and brave.
Intelligent enough to act on his own when needed. Protective, but tends to place himself between the intruder and his family rather than bark or growl.
Newfoundland's can recognize a dangerous situation and will generally act if the family is threatened. Any dog, other animal, child, or visitor who has no evil intention will receive a friendly welcome
9. Pugs
With their curly tail and scrunched up little faces, Pugs are adorable, they are incredibly good with kids and love to play.Pug dogs seem to prefer people to other animals and are extremely social creatures.
Pugs faces look very serious but they are playful, charming, clever and are known to succeed in dog obedience skills. Which means they are very easy to train if you do it the right way
In general, Pugs are very attentive dogs, always at their owner's feet, in their lap, or following them from room to room.
10. Beagle Pug Cross

My personal favourite and both these breeds of dog are suited to families.
We have already covered the benefits of their respective pure breed personality traits but i think that this cross is a great mix of what a family should look for when getting a dog.
They are mild tempered and don't grow too big. They prefer humans over other animals or dogs which make them the perfect choice for kids. T
They have a lot of energy but don't need to play and run for hours on end before they will sit still.
Tips for Binnging Your New Puppy Home
When choosing a dog to be the newest member of the family always make sure you predetermine the type of lifestyle you live and the lifestyle that the dog will have. Don't choose a energetic dog if you don't really have time to walk your dog. This is not fair to the dog and in the end will end up being very annoying for the owner.It is also beneficial to get a new dog as a puppy as you will have complete control over your dogs education and training. Plus don't forget the cuteness factor of a new puppy, You don't want to miss that. It also enables you to have complete control over your dog's behavioral patterns.
This gives your puppy the time to get to know you and more importantly your kids without being a threat.
You should implement your dogs training from day 1 This will ensure a happy healthy dog.
Dog Training Blog
Great blog for tips and tricks on training your new dog
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Top Ten Poll
Which is your choice for your family
The Most Important Thing
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Do You Have a Favourite Breed
Let me know.
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Kyra
Jan 20, 2012 @ 7:00 am | delete
- yes. A Min pinscher d0g..
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Kyra
Jan 20, 2012 @ 7:00 am | delete
- yes. A Min pinscher d0g..
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name
Nov 26, 2011 @ 10:24 pm | delete
- My favorite breed would honestly be, a golden retriever. I have heard a lot of GREAT things.
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smithlights
Jun 19, 2011 @ 2:40 am | delete
- Interesting list... border collies are great dogs, but no so much family pets. They HAVE to have a job- animals to herd or games to play all the time. I really want one, but not until I have property and something for him to do. Also, Lassie was not a border collie- he (male dogs always played female Lassies in the movies and shows) was a rough sable collie. Great content, though.
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Emily
Mar 16, 2011 @ 3:53 pm | delete
- Um...not sure about this list. Border Collies are at no. 2? I just got done reading through a website dedicated to helping border collies. They are one of the most common dogs needing to be rescued. Why? Because people buy them thinking they're cute, good with kids, or watched them in a movie. They actually have bred into them the herding instinct (which is derived from the wolf's hunting/killing instinct, and it was bred down to herding) which causes them to chase things that are running away (i.e. little kids) and if they are resisted, they will bite. They also are bred to run miles daily when herding, and are so smart, people can't keep on top of their energy or brains, so they give up and put them in rescues. I hope no one buys one thinking they are easy family pets due to this list. It is not fair to the dog or people. http://www.bcrescue.org/bcwarning.html
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My Name is Nick Quinlan
I'm a full time web master and dog owner. a lot of my days are spent in front of a computer screen so when lunch time or the end...
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